174 
WAX AND COMB CONSTRUCTION 
have shown that 6*3 grammes of honey were consumed 
in the production of i gramme of wax. 
When a swarm is placed in an empty hive, the 
bees suspend themselves from the roof in such a way 
as to form festoons (Fig. 64). The first clings to the 
top by means of the claws on the front legs, the second 
hooks herself on to the hind legs of the first, and so 
Fig. 64. — Festoons of Bees at Work. 
on. In this manner they form chains fixed by the 
two ends to the roof, which serve as bridges or ladders 
for the bees. The result of these festoons is a cluster 
of bees, which hangs down to the bottom of the hive. 
In this attitude they remain motionless and sustain a 
high temperature, while the honey is converted into 
wax and exudes on the surface of the wax pockets. 
When the wax is in a suitable condition, one of 
the bees detaches herself from the cluster, and having 
